India-Russia To Sign Defence Logistics Pact During Annual Bilateral Summit Later This Year

In further bolstering of the multi-decadal bilateral relationship between India and Russia, the two nations are set to sign a defence logistics sharing pact at the annual summit which has been planned to be held later this year, reports Economic Times.

The annual summit will be held in India, and Russian President Vladimir Putin will be visiting Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi to attend the summit.

As an out of the "Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement" the armed forces from the two nations will be able to seamlessly access each other's military bases and support facilities. It will also simplify the interoperability of warships and aircraft.

Also, the warships operated by the two nations' naval forces will get access to mutual ports and exclusive economic zones to refuel and pick up supplies.

The agreement is of major significance to Russia which continues to be the largest arms exporter to India, with bilateral military exercises also continuing to rise in the recent years. Recently, Russia has also assured India of a steady supply of arms upon India's request for a list of weaponry under the emergency purchase clause. These weapons include missiles, assault rifles and other key ammunition.